Windows 10: Bitlocker: is the USB startup key the same as the recovery key?

Discus and support Bitlocker: is the USB startup key the same as the recovery key? in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Hi guys,I want to encrypt my computer with bitlocker, using the USB startup key.But when my computer gets stolen, the disk can be put inside another... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by Tonka NL, Dec 16, 2021.

  1. Tonka NL Win User

    Bitlocker: is the USB startup key the same as the recovery key?


    Hi guys,I want to encrypt my computer with bitlocker, using the USB startup key.But when my computer gets stolen, the disk can be put inside another computer. Can the plain text visible startup key on the USB then unlock the drive? Or are these keys different?Thanks!Tonka.

    :)
     
    Tonka NL, Dec 16, 2021
    #1
  2. kevvyb Win User

    Bitlocker Process - 2 bek (startup) keys and one recovery key

    I don't know if this what should happen but I was watching the process of key storage as I went through the BitLocker encryption process.

    To see what was happening on the usb drive to which I was saving the startup and recovery keys I had to enable 'show system files' in order to see the .bek key.* I have seen posts stating that these are 'hidden files'. Maybe they are both? I am assuming that if the restart to check that usb key works succeeds, then presumably the machine is 'booting' from the usb key (.bek file)...?

    1. Turned bitlocker on the C drive
    2. usb drive was preselected to save STARTUP KEY
    3. clicked on save
    4. ONE bek key created on USB drive
    5. Question re save location for recovery key > selected save to usb flash drive
    6. USB drive preselected > clicked on save
    7. Another bek key and recovery key saved with same timestamp
    8. clicked on next > encrypt entire drive > run check > restart
    So TWO .bek (startup) keys......Does anyone know why two?

    One for each partition although I did not yet have BitLocker turned on my data partition.
    Or maybe one for the Windows recovery partition?* Although I thought I had read that this remained unencrypted...?
     
    kevvyb, Dec 16, 2021
    #2
  3. bitlocker recovery key

    Hi Singh,

    Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

    In order to get clarity on this issue and assist you with appropriate troubleshooting steps, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

    1. Are you not able login to your computer due to BitLocker Recovery Key?
    2. Did you ever setup BitLocker Recovery Key on your computer?
    3. Are you not able to login to your Microsoft Account to find the BitLocker Recovery Key?
    4. Are you using Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional?

    Meanwhile, try finding BitLocker Recovery Key if you have ever setup BitLocker Recovery Key for your computer.

    Please elaborate on the issue, so that we can understand the concern and get back to us to help you further.
     
    Shafeeq_Khan, Dec 16, 2021
    #3
  4. kevvyb Win User

    Bitlocker: is the USB startup key the same as the recovery key?

    Bitlocker Process - 2 bek (startup) keys and one recovery key

    Just worked out what it is. There is a bek key for StartUp and a bek key for Recovery. A bit confusing as there is also a 'BitLocker Recovery Key' (different format to bek Recovery key)....???

    Can anyone shed any further light?

    UPDATE:
    Must be that the system partition requires both startup and recovery .bek keys.

    The data partition appears to only have one .bek key, presumably a recovery key.

    The encryption of both system and data partitions has created just one BitLocker Recovery Key in a text file for each partition.
     
    kevvyb, Dec 16, 2021
    #4
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Bitlocker: is the USB startup key the same as the recovery key?

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